The U.S. is planning to supply Ukraine with Bradley fighting vehicles to assist in its ongoing fight against Russia’s invasion, the White House said Thursday.
The announcement was included in a statement on President Biden’s call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with Berlin detailing plans to also provide Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles and a Patriot air defense battery.
(Photo: BAE Systems)
“[Biden and Scholz] reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. They reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s aggression,” the White House wrote in a statement following the call. “President Biden and Chancellor Scholz expressed their common determination to continue to provide the necessary financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine for as long as needed.”
Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Bradleys will be included in the U.S.’ next security assistance package for Ukraine which he added is likely to be announced on Friday.
“I’m not going to have any specific additional information to provide at this time regarding other aspects of what that pending security assistance package will look like, but as always we’ll be sure to keep you updated,” Ryder told reporters. “In terms of what the Bradleys bring, it’s obviously an armored capability that can transport mechanized infantry into battle in support of both offensive and defensive operations, providing a level of firepower and armor that will bring advantages on the battlefield as Ukraine continues to defend their homeland.”
When asked what weapons could be included with the BAE Systems-built Bradleys, Ryder again declined to offer specifics but said “broadly speaking, this will be an armed capability.”
Germany’s plan to supply a Patriot battery to Ukraine follows the U.S.’ announcement last month that it would provide the Raytheon Technologies [RTX]-built air defense capability as part of a $1.85 billion weapons aid package (Defense Daily, Dec. 21).
“In light of Russia’s ongoing missile and drone attacks against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, President Biden and Chancellor Scholz affirmed their intention to further support Ukraine’s urgent requirement for air defense capabilities,” the White House said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Washington for the U.S.’ announcement it would provide the Patriot battery to support Kyiv, which he called “a very important step to create secure airspace for Ukraine.”